Welcome back to another exciting installment of my Author Spotlight series on Literary Inspired. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a talented indie romance author who has not only embraced her love for books but has also embarked on an incredible writing journey while juggling the life of a librarian. Join me in celebrating Gia Cobie and her latest release, “Saved from Revenge” (Blade and Arrow Security book 1).
Gia Cobie hails from upstate New York, where she serves as a librarian by day. Gia’s world revolves around reading, writing, and soaking in the serene beauty of the Adirondacks. Her literary passions are firmly rooted in romantic suspense and paranormal romance, with a dash of reality romance shows, a love for wine, and an insatiable appetite for book-buying adventuresβtrust me, we’ve all been there!
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this Author Spotlight interview, where Gia shares insights into her writing journey, the inspiration behind her latest book, and much more.
Tell us about your journey as a librarian turned indie romance author. How did you discover your passion for writing amidst your love for books?
Well, I’m still a librarian, so now I’m both! I basically spend my entire day with books in some form. As a kid, I loved to write, but as I got older, I never made the time to actually sit down and commit to writing a book. Two summers ago, something clicked, and I just decided to do it. And once I got started, I didn’t want to stop. I look forward to coming home from work each day and getting back to my stories.
“Saved from Revenge” sounds like an exciting romantic suspense novel. Could you share with us the inspiration behind the story and its characters, Maya and Cole?
I’ve always loved romantic suspense and the role of the MMC as a protector. I wanted to create a series that had complex characters dealing with their own struggles and leaning on each other to move past them. I love Maya because she’s an independent woman who’s hesitant to ask for help for herself, but when her friend is dragged into the situation, Maya will do anything to keep her safe. And Cole is the classic protective alpha male, but there are experiences that have shaped himβboth as a child and an adultβthat make him reluctant to pursue a relationship. When the two come together, they support each other in different ways, so it’s not just Cole doing the protecting.
You’ve mentioned that you have a weakness for reality romance shows. Do these shows influence your writing in any way, and if so, how?
I don’t know that they influence my writing too much since they’re basically fiction already! But I do enjoy having some of my characters as fans.
The theme of protection and safety seems to be a central element in “Saved from Revenge.” What message do you hope readers will take away from Maya and Cole’s journey?
Both characters provide some form of protection and safety to the other. Some of it is physical protection, some is emotional. While Maya may not be able to protect Cole physically, she can protect his heart. She can provide a place for him to feel safe and share his emotional struggles.
Your book is part of the Blade and Arrow Security series. Can you give us a glimpse of what we can expect from future books in the series? Any hints about upcoming releases?
Well, Saved from Obsession (Leo’s story) released on September 12th. Saved from Peril (book 3) just came out on November 14th, and itβs just as twisty and action-packed as the first two. Each book focuses on one member of the Blade and Arrow team. I have a spin off that just came out in November as well—it’s called Ariana’s Hero. It’s the first in the Heroes of Sleepy Hollow series (which is the town where Blade and Arrow is located) and features protective first responders. There will be plenty of cameos from the Blade and Arrow team!
Β You’re based in upstate New York and enjoy spending time in the Adirondacks. How does your environment impact your writing process and the settings you create in your novels?
I love to include details about the Adirondacks (and other areas of New York) in my novels. You’ll see a lot of trips up north (and especially Lake George) throughout the series.
Tell us about the experience of writing a series versus standalone novels. What are the advantages and challenges of each approach for you as an author?
I enjoy the experience of writing a series because I can really build the relationships between all of the characters. Blade and Arrow is a close-knit team, like a family, really. I like sharing how the team (and the partners) support each other as the series progresses. One challenge is trying to make sure each novel can be read as a standalone, or out of order. I want someone to be able to pick up any of the books and start there (although the series is definitely best read in order!)
With “Saved from Revenge” available on Kindle Unlimited, what do you think is the significance of platforms like KU for indie authors and their readership?
As a KU subscriber myself, I think it brings great value to indie authors. It gives the reader a chance to try a new author risk-free, which is what I do a lot of the time. The hope is that a small taste of my book will have the reader wanting to read the rest!
Thank you, Gia Cobie, for sharing your remarkable journey and the enticing world of “Saved from Revenge” with us. It’s been a pleasure to have you in the Author Spotlight, and we can’t wait to explore more of your captivating stories.
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To all our fellow indie romance authors out there, if you’re eager to step into the spotlight and share your unique tales, don’t hesitate to reach out. Fill in the form on this page: Author Spotlight Submission
